On May 5, 2024, 56-year-old Derek Polite was found deceased in his North Braddock, Pennsylvania, residence, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head. The discovery was made by family members who, after viewing news reports of a related incident involving his cousin, became concerned and went to check on him.
Earlier that day, around 1 p.m., Derek's cousin, 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite, entered Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock during a service. He approached the pulpit and aimed a handgun at Pastor Glenn Germany, attempting to fire. The firearm malfunctioned, preventing a discharge. A church deacon, Clarence McCallister, intervened by tackling Bernard, and together with Pastor Germany, they subdued him until law enforcement arrived.
Following Bernard's arrest at the church, family members, having seen news reports of the incident, went to the shared residence on Stokes Avenue to check on Derek. They discovered him lying on the stairs in a pool of blood. Investigators determined that Derek had been shot earlier that morning, around 10 a.m., as he was ascending the stairs from the first to the second floor. Neighbors reported hearing a noise that could have been a gunshot around that time.
Ballistic analysis confirmed that the projectile recovered from Derek's body matched the handgun Bernard used during the church incident. When questioned about his actions at the church, Bernard reportedly stated that "God told him to do it" and that he wanted to go to jail to clear his mind. Authorities have charged Bernard Junior Polite with criminal homicide in connection with his cousin's death.
As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators have not found any evidence of a disturbance or altercation at the residence prior to the incident. Bernard is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
